Episode 1

Press, 8 July 1976, Page 11

Episode 1

By

RAPHAEL J. MACLOUGHLIN

Winter’s snow, unexpectedly early, fell heavily on the Takahe Stud, casting a thick white mantle on its surrounding plains and mountain ranges.

Some horses seeking shelter, had drifted in while others, further afield, had to be rounded up.

The stud’s owner, Garth Williams, and his daughter, Penny, kept a careful watch for the stray and the newborn.

Despite some success, they still had cause for worry. Two apaloosa, a mare in foal and a stallion were missing. “Will they be all right, Dad? Why didn’t they come in?’’ Penny asked, clutching the quivering, long-legged colt that straddled her saddle. “Well, Penny, they must have been nearer the mountains than here. They’ll find sheltering ridges with grass uncovered by snow in the high country’. 'The horses know that,” said Garth, speaking with a confidence he far from felt as they headed home. As the evening wore on, the wind grew stronger, while the snow increased in density Garth’s anxiety increased. It didn’t seem possible that the apaloosa could make it to shelter without falling into some snow-covered abyss. Rather than alarm his daughter, he kept these thoughts to himself.

The night air was bitterly cold and the mare, encumbered by the foal she bore, found the going difficult. Time and time again she slipped down the steep mountainside as soil and snow gave way under her hoofs. But urged on by the stallion, she would pause for a moment, panting, then, gathering back legs under her. worked them piston-like, muscle and sinew showing under the steaming, sweating coat, as with a mighty effort, she pressed on once more. But now, darkness was falling, adding to existing danger’s—-and, ah yet. they had not reached the safety of a sheltering ridge. (To be continued)